One month

We've had Victoria home for a month now!  What a month it has been!  We all continue to adjust - adjust has been the operative word!  It seems we are continually tweaking something in our routine, or otherwise, to better meet the needs.  I have to admit that this month has been mostly focused on survival.  We are easing into "real life" now, which will bring further adjustments.  (I finally got to exercise again this morning!)  We knew that this would be a long haul, and it's proving to be true.  There are many times we have been overwhelmed and exhausted with what God has given us to do, but we're thankful for God's grace and strength.

Victoria is doing well, all things considered.  She has definitely picked up the family routine (as much as there is of it right now), and is constantly learning new English phrases and the meanings of them.  She dresses and toilets herself and makes her own bed.  A couple of days ago, she told John and me, "Look at me!".  One tricky thing that we've been trying to overcome is her demand for our constant attention - which she does not need and neither will she receive.  We have asked our Heavenly Father for much wisdom, patience and love for her, and I believe He is supplying it - slowly but surely.  I also believe that she is starting to make some headway with her attitude as well.

Victoria has enjoyed getting to know her Grandpa Hallada and Uncles Tom and Todd.  We spend a lot of time with them and she has adapted to this routine very well.  She cheers right along with the other girls when they are told that we get to see them soon.  Victoria also was able to meet two sets of great grandparents who were here for a visit.  She was able to talk to her Grandma Isenberg on the phone last week and will be meeting her soon too.  She seems to enjoy meeting family members.

Victoria was able to have her dental check up last week, and to our surprise has very healthy teeth!  This was very unexpected, related to her history of living in an orphanage; but we knew she did have good care there.  It's a blessing not to have to undergo a lot of dental work for her right now.  We have an appointment with the International Adoption Clinic at the U of M on Wednesday (the 6th of April) to begin working on her plan of care.  We'll see how that goes.

Jocylin and Cherith are still adjusting well.  They play and quarrel with Victoria - just like sisters.  Surprise, surprise!  We are definitely reciting "Be ye kind one to another" a lot!  Victoria has been going into Sunday School and Cubbies with Jocylin for the last couple of weeks.  Jocylin has been a good helper with many tasks throughout the day as she helps Mommy and her "new sister".  Cherith is still working to say Victoria's name.  It has been coming out "Bactoria" - it sounds as bad as it looks!  When I tried to help her say "Vic".  It came out "Vic-Bactoria".  Funny!

Thank you for your prayers as we get back in to the new normal of our lives!

Reading library books!

Making "snow angels" for Daddy